I'm planning it, but given the price tag I want to make absolutely certain I get a new batch one with scuff-resistant paint rather than a leftover from the first run.

 

I didnt get mine from showz. But iam sure its second batch. But just to make sure ive sent showz a message asking if its second batch. Waiting for reply.

 

It's easy to tell version 2, the forehead crest on the robot face is painted golden/yellow (version 1 is still grey/unpainted)
The wings on version 2 are scary tight (you will break them if you don't use the 3rd/middle wing as the starting point).
I have both versions and the purple paint is applied the same on both of mine (thought youtube videos of people with both look different, so it varies I guess). Both look premium but in certain angles the Version 1 paint looks like it is CRACKING under the smooth see thru coat.
Great masterpiece. It's good to be a Beastwars fan. Enjoy, I doubt Takara will do this in the next 5 years (I doubt I will pay $550 takara prices when it does come out).

 

Thing is stores dont take photos of the second batch of their websites. They use photos from first batch. So you have to ask them to make sure.

 

Mmh, were you referring to that? It’s unpainted. I think it might be first batch (wings are super tight though).

I got him on eBay, had been used for display but never transformed.

 

The more I read about the issues with version 1, the more scared I am to take mine back out of the closet.

 

I actually found the issues with the 2nd batch worse. Sure, the paint was better, but the joints on mine were floppy (the tail couldn't even support its own weight), and the wings being so delicate was terrible IMO.
I'd rather have the poseability than the better paint job, even with the chipping. It still looks amazing (though the 2nd batch just nails the colour scheme), and the 'cracking' effect is only noticeable under certain light conditions up close (in-person it looks more 'speckled' than 'cracked', and again it's only noticeable up close), and it kind of works with the 'born from volcanic lava' thing.

Not that the 2nd run is bad, it's much better looking, it's just what you prioritise is all.  

 

This is the only MP sized Beastie I haven’t double dipped on and I’ve never even transformed my copy to beast mode- not because there’s anything wrong with the figure- if anything, it’s one of the most impressive pieces in my collection. I just don’t have to space to fully show off two of these beauties and I feel that adding a second giant, glistening red monster to the same shelf would detract from the impact of my bot mode Winged Dragon. It’s sacrilege really but I know someday, after I downsize and trim all the fat from my collection I’ll get a second one. Beast Wars will always be the highest priority (where pretty, plastic play things are concerned.)

 

oh boy, if you ever transform him, brace yourself. Somehow, I feel like the dragon mode looks even bigger and more impressive than the robot. After transforming him last night I was conflicted on transforming him back in robot mode, because man that dragon is so impressive to look at. I don’t know which mode I like more  

edit: adding a pic of beast mode because it deserves some of that glory too

 

Yes, it looks like Version 1. The hip skirts are a big give away too. Would you mind taking a show of his right SIDE?
As for the wings, they are still nice and tight on version 1 but scary on version 2.

 

Quick question, can you fit it back to the box ? Mine can't since the tail is installed to the helmet.

 

Well, I suppose that makes me feel slightly better. I took him out once, but didn't have the time or the patience to transform him then, so I put him away and never had him back out since. I should really rectify that.

I honestly can't say. I only had him out the one time and I don't even remember if I plugged the tail in or not.

 

Mine is perfect, and it is from the first batch.

 

@Pcm979

 

Thanks. I asked them myself a while back and they said they weren't sure. Now I can place my order!

 

Cheers!

 

Silverbolt didn't know what he was getting himself into... nor did I when I transformed this huge beast!

 

What Silverbolt is that?

 

I think it is the official toy with a custom paint job.

 

If that’s the case, either that toy is a lot smaller than I remember or Winged Dragon is a lot bigger than I remember. I didn't recall SB's forearms looking that way either.